Italy’s improbable World Baseball Classic run ends, but Azzurri leave lasting impact at home

MIAMI (AP) — Francisco Cervelli believes Italy won't be sneaking up on opponents in three years at the next World Baseball Classic. “We are no longer the Cinderella,” the Italy manager said after the Azzurri were eliminated with a 4-2 semifinal loss to Venezuela on Monday night.
Major League Baseball

Run to Classic semifinals has huge impact across Italy

MIAMI – Team Italy has heard the jabs. They understand that people look at them not as an Italian ballclub, but a group of guys from America masquerading as an Italian team. But this team doesn’t care.

Ronald Acuna Jr.’s huge hit in Venezuela-Italy sends fans into a frenzy in World Baseball Classic

Venezuela outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. made a critical single in their semifinals match against Italy in the World Baseball Classic.